Minneapolis City Flag

In the spring of 1955, a Minneapolis Flag Committee of seven members, including two aldermen, the Mayor and City Clerk, were charged by the City Council to help pick a suitable design for the flag. A contest was held and a five-member group of prominent residents was chosen to be a jury to "select the most appropriate and practical design for a City flag which would harmonize with state and national flags and symbolize the interests and characteristics of the City of Minneapolis." Many entries were received and the design submitted by Minneapolis resident Louise Sundin was selected by the jury and served as a basis for the flag chosen by the committee. Sundin was awarded a $250 U.S. Savings Bond as Sweepstakes Winner.

On May 27, 1955 the Minneapolis City Council unanimously adopted the recommendation of the Minneapolis Flag Committee and officially designated the City of Minneapolis flag. Earlier that morning, accompanied by a color guard composed of members of the Minneapolis Police Department Band, the American flag and the proposed official flag of the City of Minneapolis were placed at the rostrum of the City Council as part of the official dedication of the City of Minneapolis flag.

The design of the flag and its symbols are described in the resolution that was adopted by the Minneapolis City Council on May 27, 1955.

RESOLUTION (By Aldermen Earl Johnson and Jack Jorgensen)

Adopting an official Flag of the City of Minneapolis and directing that the original design be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk for use in reproduction of other flags.

Whereas, the City Council has heretofore appointed a committee to select a flag of the City of Minneapolis; and

Whereas, the said committee has, after diligent effort, selected a suitable design for such a flag; the design of said flag being as follows:

A royal blue pennant on a white field or background with a white circle on a blue pennant divided by four parts; each of the four parts of the circle containing a blue symbol, i.e., a building symbolizing education and the arts; a cogged wheel and square symbolizing labor and industry; a pilot wheel symbolizing our lakes and rivers and all activities identified with them; a microscope symbolizing research, skilled craftsmanship and progress – all of these symbols combined point out the beauty, harmony and brilliant future of our City.

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved: That the above described design be and is hereby adopted as the Official Flag of the City of Minneapolis and that the original design therefore be filed and kept of record in the Office of the City Clerk as a model to be used and copied by all persons desiring and authorized to reproduce the flag.

Be It Further Resolved that the City Council of the City of Minneapolis, for itself and on behalf of all the citizens of the City of Minneapolis again express deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all persons who contributed to make this project a success.

Passed May 27, 1955 - Eugene E. Stokowski, President of the City Council